photo mode should consider nopaste

[chrysn]

the photo export mode, at least up to version 20140316, does not give a visual indication of where solder paste will be applied. the information is there (it gets exported in the paste gerbers), but only one mode can be chosen as output (tinned, copper, or other finishings).

a better solution in my opinion would be to have an option for finishing (could stay copper/gold/silver), and an additional option for tin (tinned, hide).

showing the paste mask visually would make it easier to see mistakes in the fiducial setup, and would generally give a more realistic impression of the board.

[DJ Delorie (djdelorie)]

While an option to show applied paste might be useful, keep in mind that the paste itself is not "part of" the manufactured board the same was that copper or silk are "part of" the board. Thus, it would be out of place in a photorealistic image of the manufactured board. Other photo options like copper/gold/silver/tin reflect steps in the manufacturing process, so affect the appearance of the manufactured board.

One could argue that we should show more steps than just the manufactured board, but at the moment we don't.